Alpine A290: when electric meets rally DNA

Can sporty performance and electric mobility coexist without losing their soul? Alpine rises to the challenge brilliantly.The brand’s first foray into electric city cars, the A290 brings French racing spirit into a compact, high-powered format. This 220-hp revolutionary redefines the electric compact segment while preserving the fiery temperament that made Alpine famous.

Key highlights of the Alpine A290

Alpine A290: French sportiness meets electric power

Unveiled in 2024, the Alpine A290 made waves in the French automotive world. Just when we thought Alpine would stick to its roaring combustion engines, the Dieppe brand surprises us with an electric city car! At first, we wondered “what are they doing?”, then we realized the brilliance of it.

Yes, it shares its platform with the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, but don’t be fooled: once behind the wheel, you instantly feel that Alpine touch we’ve loved for decades. The design? Bold and French. The handling? Playful above all. The spirit? Unmistakably sporty—even in silence.

Specs and performance of the Alpine A290

Electric without compromise

The Alpine A290 offers three distinct power levels to suit different driving profiles. The entry-level GT Performance delivers 180 hp—more than enough to explore Alpine’s electrified world without frustration. The GT Premium strikes the perfect balance between performance and daily usability. At the top, the GTS unleashes 220 hp and 300 Nm of instant torque, launching this French compact from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds—rivaling the best combustion cars in its class!

A battery with real capacity

The A290 features a 52 kWh lithium-ion battery—generous for a compact EV. It comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, ensuring peace of mind. WLTP-certified range is between 364 and 380 km depending on the motorization, placing the Alpine among the top of its category. In real-world use, expect 300–320 km in normal driving, but spirited driving can reduce range to 250–280 km.

A true sporty compact

Dimensions: 3.99 m long, 1.82 m wide, 1.52 m high, with a 2.54 m wheelbase. Weight is kept at 1,479 kg to preserve Alpine’s signature agility. Trunk volume is 326 liters—decent for a sporty car of this size. Even the base model includes generous features: central touchscreen multimedia system, full digital instrumentation, and specially designed sport seats. Alloy wheels and a refined interior reflect Alpine’s sporty heritage.

Fast charging

The A290 adapts to all home and public charging scenarios. At home, a 7.4 kW wallbox takes 7 hours for a full charge, reduced to 5 hours with an 11 kW setup. A standard domestic socket is a backup solution, requiring 20 hours.

On the road, the Alpine supports fast charging up to 100 kW. 50 kW stations restore 80% capacity in about 45 minutes. Ultra-fast stations cut that to 30 minutes—ideal for long trips.

Driving behavior: electric emotion

The Alpine A290 stands out with rally-inspired character translated into electric form. Its 300 Nm of instant torque delivers thrilling acceleration, especially on winding roads where this compact reveals its full potential.

Three driving modes radically change the A290’s personality. Normal mode prioritizes energy efficiency for daily use. Sport mode tightens settings and sharpens steering precision, revealing Alpine’s true character. Track mode unleashes full power for the most intense sessions.

How the A290 compares to other electric cars

The Alpine A290 enters a niche segment: true sporty electric compacts. Compared to the Abarth 500e, Alpine wins with more power (220 vs. 155 hp) and greater range (380 vs. 265 km WLTP).

Against the Mini Cooper SE, the French car also comes out ahead in performance and range. The Mini retains its British refinement, but Alpine counters with authentic sportiness and a sharper chassis, according to early reviews.

Who is the Alpine A290 for?

This electric sports car targets driving enthusiasts who refuse to choose between eco-consciousness and driving pleasure. Alpine fans will find a natural transition to electric without sacrificing their favorite models’ identity.

The A290 also suits drivers seeking character in daily life, in a practical urban format that’s never boring. However, it won’t satisfy buyers focused on practicality or tight budgets prioritizing value for money.

Pricing

The Alpine A290 embraces a premium position, starting at €38,000 for the GT Performance. The mid-range GT Premium is around €41,000, while the top-tier GTS reaches about €46,000.

This pricing strategy places the A290 in the premium sporty electric compact segment—justified by Alpine’s brand image and technical features. 2025 government incentives ease the investment: up to €5,000 for individuals (based on income), and up to €3,000 for professionals.

Availability in the network

The Renault-Alpine network handles sales with full support: extended test drives, trade-ins, tailored financing, and full manufacturer warranty. First deliveries began in late 2024, and there’s no used market yet for this brand-new model.

Electra’s verdict: a true blue-white-red sports car

“The Alpine A290 marks a turning point in the history of the Dieppe brand. This sporty electric compact doesn’t play in the same league as standard city cars—it fully embraces its racing heritage and dynamic ambitions.

With three power levels and a chassis designed for driving pleasure, it targets drivers who refuse to choose between eco-awareness and thrills. Its 300–380 km range and fast charging make it a credible daily option, while its 6.4-second 0–100 km/h time confirms its sporty nature.

Starting at €38,000, it’s certainly in a demanding segment, but finally offers an electric alternative for committed driving enthusiasts. The Alpine A290 proves that electrification doesn’t mean dilution—it keeps the sporty soul that’s made hearts race for decades.”

Written by Nicolas – Electric mobility expert at Electra